Are you thinking about eloping to Scotland?
If so, you might be wondering, “When do I need to start planning?” From booking your accommodation to hiring the perfect elopement photography team, there are several moving parts to organise. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a detailed timeline to help you plan your dream elopement in Scotland with ease.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Most of our couples book their elopement 6 to 15 months in advance. However, there are outliers — some book as early as three years ahead, while others plan with just four to five weeks’ notice. While last-minute bookings can be exhilarating to coordinate, we recommend giving yourself ample time to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Symbolic vs. Legal Ceremonies
For symbolic ceremonies, there’s no hard cutoff for booking.
However, if you’re planning a legal ceremony, timing is crucial. Legal paperwork must be submitted to the registrar between 3 months and 3 weeks before your wedding date. If you are coming from abroad, you will also need to have arranged you marriage visitor visa (the process for this can be commenced 3 months before your wedding)
Missing this window could delay your plans, so be sure to mark it on your calendar.
Learn more about Scotland’s legal wedding requirements here.

A Step-by-Step Elopement Planning Timeline
To make your planning journey seamless, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Choose Your Wedding Date and Approximate Location Start by deciding when you want to tie the knot and the general area in Scotland you’d like to explore. Consider iconic spots like the Isle of Skye, Glencoe or the Edinburgh.
- Book Your Elopement Photography Team (12+ Months Ahead) Your photographer will be one of the first vendors to secure. Their schedules fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Nail Down Your Exact Ceremony Location (9-12 Months Ahead) Once you’ve chosen your photographer and approximate location, it’s time to lock in the specific ceremony spot.
- Arrange Your Accommodation From quaint cottages to luxurious stays, book early to ensure availability in your desired area.
- Book Your Celebrant (9 Months Ahead) Celebrants in Scotland often book up months in advance, so securing yours early is a must.
- Plan Hair, Makeup, and Additional Vendors (9 Months Ahead) Schedule your hair and makeup artist, florist, or any other suppliers you’ll need.
- Coordinate with Your Photographer for the Day’s Timeline Collaborate with your photographer to create a rough outline of the day’s events, ensuring you have ample time for breathtaking portraits and moments to soak in the beauty of Scotland.
See our list of favourite vendors and accommodation in our free elopement guide.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Us Help!
Planning an elopement in Scotland might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Sassenachs, we offer all-inclusive elopement packages designed to make your dream day stress-free. Our packages cover everything — from stunning photography to trusted vendors — so you can focus on what matters most: each other.
External Resources for Inspiration:
The timeline above offers a general guide, but every elopement is unique. Whether you’re envisioning a remote mountainside ceremony or a cosy loch-side celebration, planning ahead will ensure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Ready to start your journey? Check out our Scotland Elopement Packages or contact us to begin planning your perfect Scottish adventure.